What temperature should blood be cooled to during the preparation of Platelet Concentrates from Whole Blood?

During the preparation of Platelet Concentrates from Whole Blood, the blood should be cooled to a temperature range of 20-24°C. This temperature range is critical because platelets are sensitive to temperature changes.

Platelets are typically stored at room temperature, which allows them to remain functional and viable for transfusion. If the temperature is lowered too much, such as towards 6°C, the platelets would become less effective or even damaged, leading to reduced platelet viability. Additionally, warming the blood to temperatures such as 37°C or heating it to 57°C is not appropriate, as both would compromise the integrity of the platelets and make them unsuitable for transfusion.

The 20-24°C range ensures optimal conditions for platelet storage, preserving their functionality and increasing their shelf-life for transfusion to patients in need. This is aligned with blood bank practices that focus on maximizing the safety and efficacy of blood components.